Hawaii wins $75M Race to the Top grant

HONOLULU – Gov. Linda Lingle has applauded the collaborative efforts of education and community partners that resulted in Hawai‘i being named a Race to the Top grant winner. The U.S. Department of Education made the announcement this morning that Hawai‘i is among 10 states and the District of Columbia in the competition’s second round of grant awards.

Hawai‘i will receive $75 million to implement comprehensive initiatives to reform the state’s public education system to improve student achievement.

“We are extremely pleased and proud that the U.S. Department of Education has approved Hawai‘i’s Race to the Top application,” said Governor Lingle. “With the Race to the Top funding and the support of the U.S. Department of Education, Hawai‘i has a tremendous opportunity to make the systemic changes needed to raise performance in the classroom so students are prepared for college and their careers,” said Governor Lingle.

“Getting to this point would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the Hawai‘i Department of Education – under the leadership of interim Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi – the Board of Education, the community and my Administration,” the Governor said.

“Securing this grant is just a stepping stone. We will now begin the hard work of implementing our education reform plan, which includes a common core curriculum tied to a new on-line state test while tracking student progress and rewarding teachers by linking 50 percent of their evaluation to student achievement. I am especially excited about our pledge to have 100 percent of high school graduates ready for a career and college without the need for post secondary remediation programs,” the Governor added.

Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Education’s announcement that Hawaii will receive second-round Race to the Top funding:

“Our success in the second-round of Race to the Top competitive federal grants speaks to the collaborative effort we’ve made to achieve significant improvements in our public education system.

“Hawaii’s selection is the result of a shared commitment among our Administration, the Hawaii Department of Education, non-profit organizations, legislators and community leaders.

“We outlined an ambitious vision and long-overdue public education reform goals for our state, which included assisting struggling schools, improving school performance from kindergarten to college, and ensuring that all of our students are equipped and prepared to enter both college and the working environment.

“This is an historic opportunity, and we must continue to work together to implement the reforms necessary to cultivate a brighter future for our young people.”